Construction | UK Bar

Atkin Chambers is routinely picked out as “market leading” by market sources due to its outstanding bench of barristers, from top-quality silks to rising star juniors. Individuals here are eminently capable of handling the full spectrum of construction disputes, including the most high-value and complex proceedings, both domestically and internationally. The set regularly handles cases concerning infrastructure and high-profile developments across a number of industry sectors. Clients of the set include the largest developers, contractors and insurers in the UK and globally. An interviewee praises the set for having "exceptional construction law expertise, coupled with the capacity to engage with the detail of a highly complex factual matrix."

Keating Chambers is noted for its "world-leading advocates in complex construction litigation." The set is well known for the quality of both its outstanding silks and its accomplished juniors. Members of Keating act in complex domestic cases in the TCC, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, as well as in high-profile cases and arbitrations abroad. The set acts for clients across the construction sector in projects ranging from major energy and infrastructure developments to commercial and residential schemes. The set's members continue to act in the largest pieces of litigation relating to the Building Safety Act.

4 Pump Court is noted for its barristers who show "a willingness to collaborate and go the extra mile to tackle complex and challenging disputes for clients." The set's excellent domestic profile is complemented by a strong international presence, especially in the Middle East. With expertise stretching across the construction sector, the set is equipped to handle litigation arising from energy and infrastructure developments and other landmark construction projects. An interviewee praises the set: "4 Pump Court is a go-to chambers for construction disputes with fantastic strength in depth and first-class barristers as every level."

The senior clerks are Carl Wall and Stewart Gibbs.

39 Essex Chambers continues to provide an impressive construction law practice with notable strength at both silk and junior levels. Sources note its "wide range of expertise" and "high-quality advocacy and detailed technical input." The barristers are sought out by clients in the construction industry across the length and breadth of the UK, and also undertake a huge amount of international work. The set draws instructions from those on both the contractor and developer sides, including government bodies. Members of the set handle notable work in relation to high-profile residential and commercial developments, as well as cases concerning heavy engineering and infrastructure projects. The set's practice area expertise extends into PFI and PPP contract disputes, and the barristers have experience in complex cladding and fire safety issues, illustrated by the members' roles in advising the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

Lewis Walker is the director of clerking.

4 New Square Chambers is noted for its "specialist expertise" and "go-to barristers." It maintains a strong construction law team, which is highly sought after by contractors and developers to handle the full spectrum of construction disputes, and the set's strong reputation for professional negligence and insurance issues complements the construction law offering. Barristers at the set have acted in notable cladding cases, including Shepherd Construction Limited v Kingspan and Others. Members have also been recently instructed in the high-profile Aylwin v Greystoke Builders. The chambers also has a reputable international construction disputes practice, in addition to its extensive TCC and domestic ADR expertise.

Crown Office Chambers is a highly regarded set with notable construction silks and a strong group of barristers at the junior end. The set is noted for its "deep sector expertise, strategic insight and exceptional advocacy in construction and infrastructure disputes." The barristers act for the full breadth of construction industry clients, including developers, contractors, and design and engineering professionals. The set offers excellent additional capabilities in construction insurance and professional negligence cases. The barristers are highly experienced in construction disputes arising in the social and transport infrastructure area and the energy sectors. Recent notable instructions include its involvement in Grenfell Tower litigation, and in One Hyde Park v Laing O’Rourke. Barristers at Crown Office Chambers also regularly feature in cases concerning major commercial developments.

Rob Frankish is the senior team clerk.

Gatehouse Chambers has a notable reputation for handling construction law disputes, and a particularly strong offering of senior juniors. The barristers at the set are able to bring broader expertise in areas such as professional negligence, insurance and property damage to their construction cases. An interviewee comments that the set offers “excellent counsel, from junior up to KC level," and another notes its "broad depth of knowledge and experience in construction." Members are highly capable across a broad range of construction disputes, including those concerning emerging fire safety and cladding issues. Members of the set have acted in BDW v Ardmore, an adjudication enforcement claim. Gatehouse's barristers make regular appearances in the TCC and handle various ADR proceedings for clients involved in project disputes arising from a range of industry sectors.

Elliot Langdorf is the practice director.